‘La La Land’ has cemented its status as an Oscars front runner, after winning big at the BAFTAs.
It nabbed three of the top four prestigious categories including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.
The musical, which has received critical acclaim, also won for original music and cinematography.
‘La La Land’ writer and director Damien Chazelle continued his incredible career ascendancy at the age of just 32, winning Best Director.
Emma Stone’s victory as leading actress has cemented her as favourite for the same category at the Academy Awards on February 26.
She used her win to reflect on the current state of global division.
“This country, the US, and the world seems to be going through a bit of a time, just a bit,” the 28-year-old said in her acceptance speech.
“In a time that's so divisive I think it's so special we were able to come together tonight thanks to BAFTA, to celebrate the positive gift of creativity and how it can transcend borders and how it can help people to feel a little less alone.”
But her co-star Ryan Gosling missed out on Best Actor, beaten by Casey Affleck for his standout performance in the drama ‘Manchester by the Sea’.
A win he credited to the film’s writer and director.
“The reason I'm here is because of Kenneth Lonergan and his sublime screenplay that really dignifies everyday lives and their struggles with great compassion,” Affleck said.
“I will never be able to express my gratitude to him.”
Despite ‘La La Land’ dominating, some Australian films also shone.
‘Lion’, the true story of an adopted man tracking down his Indian mother using Google Earth, won two awards.
Dev Patel won best supporting actor for his role as Saroo Brierley, and praised his own family for their motivation and support.
“You guys are my driving force,” he said.
Australian Luke Davies won Best Adapted Screenplay for the film.
But Nicole Kidman lost in the Best Supporting Actress category to American Viola Davis for her role in ‘Fences’.
Meanwhile, Mel Gibson’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ nabbed a statue for Best Editing.
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